Animal-assisted therapy, also recognized as pet therapy, is a growing trend across the globe. It employs dogs and various other animals, including horses, to assist individuals in their recovery from both physical and mental health conditions. (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
GOYANG, Sept. 9 (Korea Bizwire) —The city of Goyang in Gyeonggi Province, known as a “pet-friendly city,” is taking significant strides to enhance animal welfare by introducing a robust animal companionship healing program geared towards addressing the needs of its aging population.
In an announcement made on Thursday, Goyang, with a history of being at the forefront of stray animal protection and animal welfare initiatives, revealed its commitment to expanding its animal companionship healing services. Notably, Goyang was the pioneer in establishing a city-operated animal protection center in Gyeonggi-do in 2014.
Animal communication healing is a therapeutic approach designed to alleviate extreme feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress, and social isolation often experienced by the elderly and single individuals due to the pressures of modern life. This method leverages interactions with animals to help individuals regain emotional equilibrium.
The benefits of this form of therapy include enhancements in memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities for those undergoing healing. Additionally, participants tend to develop a greater sense of respect for life, increased social responsibility, and improved self-esteem. The city administration elaborated on these advantages.
To further strengthen these initiatives, Goyang recently entered into a business cooperation agreement with the Korean Society of Animal-Mediated Psychotherapy. The collaboration aims to develop comprehensive policies, promote education and research, and train professionals in this field.
Furthermore, the city has plans to increase the number of urban dog playgrounds from four to eight and gradually expand the animal companionship healing method that was initially piloted at Daehwa-dong Playground in Ilsanseo-gu.
Goyang’s animal protection center, established in 2014 and responsible for caring for approximately 1,000 abandoned animals annually, is set for expansion next year. Additionally, the city is looking forward to the construction of a pet theme park.
Dogs-friendly park in Ilsan Lake Park
Mark your calendars for October 28 and 29, when the center will host the ‘Animal Sympathetic Healing Culture Festival’ at Ilsan Culture Square. The festival aims to raise awareness about the significance of animal protection and welfare, foster respect for life, promote responsible pet ownership, and encourage animal registration and adoption.
It’s worth noting that Goyang took proactive steps in 2019 by enacting the ‘Ordinance to Support the Creation of a Culture of Animal Welfare and Respect for Life.’ In 2020, the city established the Animal Welfare Committee, fostering active communication with experts to incorporate their insights into city policies.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
